Report: F80 M3 Is the New BMW M3 / M4 -- Sedan Comes First in 2013!

[Zebra99]

This is retarded, another excuse to set the prices even higher. It's bad enough the M3 vert is almost 100k with taxes, now a 335 vert will probably fall close behind. I'll stick with getting a 2011 335is and hope that it's dropped enough to be worthy purchase. BMW stop being greedy!!! Stick to your heritage and keep the customer happy or your gonna pull a Honda and mainstream everything to the point customers will be switching.

IE. BMW interior has also been too simple and sucked balls. They're no where close to the Audi/Merc interior styling. Add some of that and then maybe you can charge more and be forgiven.

Just my opinion.

[formula M]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

When I get back from the US I will go into detail but I can tell you now that BMW has reversed the decision for the M3 Sedan. partly because of the new sub-line CRT Carbon Racing Technology which will be introduced on Sedans and SAV's after the usual launch cycle for enthusiasts who can forgoe the luxury elements.

CSL will be re-introduced for the Coupe's. Whereas drivers who want the more edgier track orientated option could be satisfied with potential GTS models of the Coupe's?

Wait.. are you saying that some time in late 2013, in the United States, we will be able to order a M2/M3 CSL or GTS ..?

[fortressmaximus]

Based on all these name changes and the fact there will be an M model for every numbered series, except for the 7 series, it seems like there needs to be an M7 and possibly a redo of the 8 series and a new M8.
(I know there is an alpina b7)

[w8n4mymmm]

this garbage again. Supposedly, they were gonna do this for the e9X and thankfully halted on the m4 idea. Why not just start a 4 series. Why kill off a part of their own history? But again maybe all rumors.

[SIIK2NR]

If it's about money, BMW has gotten too greedy. The "M" badge has officially been pimped out by BMW so they can make more money on every series. Hence the 1M.

Get customers in an "M" car early and they will never downgrade. Which means future business and profits.

If they do change the coupe to M4, it's gonna create a lot of hate between the M3 sedan owners who are badge natzis. As mentioned, poeple will associate the higher number to mean better and more expensive regardless if the are exactly the same except for the doors. Actually, the M3 sedan will seem "dated" and left behind as the rest of us coupe owners will be rock'n the new "M4" badge.

Change is inevitable, I dont like it either. My concern is that if the coupe and sedan are identical, except the badges and doors, BMW will most likely still mark up the "M4" just because they can.

Sedan owners are happy now, but wait and see how you feel when you have a 2013 M3 and a 2013 M4 rolls up next to you. Yeah, maybe same performance.... But it's gonna leave a bad taste........

Lets hope for the best! I'm excited for the new coupe regardless of what they call it.

[PAMidge]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

Actually, the M3 sedan will seem "dated" and left behind as the rest of us coupe owners will be rock'n the new "M4" badge.

Change is inevitable, I dont like it either. My concern is that if the coupe and sedan are identical, except the badges and doors, BMW will most likely still mark up the "M4" just because they can.

Sedan owners are happy now, but wait and see how you feel when you have a 2013 M3 and a 2013 M4 rolls up next to you. Yeah, maybe same performance.... But it's gonna leave a bad taste........

I'm still confused why everyone is up in arms about this.

5 series, 6 series - 2 different platforms. Sedan & Coupe.

2010 ///M5 performance == 2010 ///M6 performance.

There's only a slight difference in wheelbase of a few inches, and less than 100lbs lighter.

One is a sedan, one is a coupe.

I understand that there will be people that will be upset about losing the M3 badge on the coupe (I get that), but clearly by the current standards between M5 & M6 there is no significant difference between the 2 models.

Coupe is always more expensive than the sedan even as a "3". So what's the problem here?

And this is all just still rumor.

why everyone is so upset about this.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

I'm still confused why everyone is up in arms about this.

5 series, 6 series - 2 different platforms. Sedan & Coupe.

2010 ///M5 performance == 2010 ///M6 performance.

There's only a slight difference in wheelbase of a few inches, and less than 100lbs lighter.

One is a sedan, one is a coupe.

I understand that there will be people that will be upset about losing the M3 badge on the coupe (I get that), but clearly by the current standards between M5 & M6 there is no significant difference between the 2 models.

Coupe is always more expensive than the sedan even as a "3". So what's the problem here?

And this is all just still rumor.

why everyone is so upset about this.

Because you're messing with history, tradition. The 5 and 6 look absolutely nothing alike while the 3 series coupe/sedan/vert are the same car.

[e92ben]

If it's an M4 coupe. I would debadge and add M3. This is getting horrible

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

I'm still confused why everyone is up in arms about this.

5 series, 6 series - 2 different platforms. Sedan & Coupe.

2010 ///M5 performance == 2010 ///M6 performance.

There's only a slight difference in wheelbase of a few inches, and less than 100lbs lighter.

One is a sedan, one is a coupe.

I understand that there will be people that will be upset about losing the M3 badge on the coupe (I get that), but clearly by the current standards between M5 & M6 there is no significant difference between the 2 models.

Coupe is always more expensive than the sedan even as a "3". So what's the problem here?

And this is all just still rumor.

why everyone is so upset about this.

And it took them 4 generations and about 20 years to figure this out?
Thats like saying, you know what?
Let's stop this whole inline six and rear wheel drive stuff as well
Tradition isnt always a bad thing

[Justin Spelman]

[quote=TK-421;10354980][quote=PAMidge;10354735]I'm still confused why everyone is up in arms about this.

5 series, 6 series - 2 different platforms. Sedan

[Justin Spelman]

Originally Posted by TK-421

Because you're messing with history, tradition. The 5 and 6 look absolutely nothing alike while the 3 series coupe/sedan/vert are the same car.

But the 3 series sedan and 4 series coupe are said to look more different from each other than ever in the next generation.

So might be some more justification for BMW for the 3/4 m3/m4 split.

[SIIK2NR]

I seriously doubt anyone will debadge the M4 coupe and put M3 on it. When and if the M4 comes out, I think majority of owners will be proud to show off BMW's newest model. Most people will recognize the new naming convention before caring that it is "M3" of old.

[e92ben]

I'm sorry but that's horrible...

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by formula M

Wait.. are you saying that some time in late 2013, in the United States, we will be able to order a M2/M3 CSL or GTS ..?

What I will say is that when we get around to proposals. They will be submitted to see if there is any enthusiasm from the dealers.

There was none for the M3 GTS and M3 CRT because BMW M is seen as Luxury performance and do not kid your self if you expect the main bulk of M customers to forgo that luxury in favour of stripped out cabins and higher performance. There might be a minority but the majority will not give up the luxury equipment in their M's and it is that majority that will be the key catalyst for BMW not spending millions of euros to federalize.

[pcbrew]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I would like to point out that a decision has not been made on whether it will be M3 or M4. As I mentioned previously that there are many options on the table including the M-sub brand option regarding M3 staying as there is an i3 that differs from the 3er. Such an application could be considered regarding the M3. That when you get down to it despite the body, the M3 is not just a faster 3er. And again M4 is another option among many.

When I get back from the US I will go into detail but I can tell you now that they have reversed the decision for the M3 Sedan.
partly because of the new sub-line CRT Carbon Racing Technology which will be introduced on Sedans and SAV's after the usual launch cycle for enthusiasts who can forgoe the luxury elements.

CSL will be re-introduced for the Coupe's. Whereas drivers who want the more edgier track orientated option could be satisfied with potential GTS models of the Coupe's?

Scott - Are you saying the decision to release M3 sedan has been reversed?
Say it ain't so... please

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by pcbrew

Scott - Are you saying the decision to release M3 sedan has been reversed?
Say it ain't so... please

They are bringing the sedan back to the market in order to have something for the further CRT line that will reflect Sedans and SAV's.

[Justin Spelman]

Originally Posted by pcbrew

Scott - Are you saying the decision to release M3 sedan has been reversed?
Say it ain't so... please

No he's confirming this thread's info about the M3 returning and saying what he claimed before about no next gen M3 sedan has been reversed.

[cmk227]

BMW please don't change the ///M3 badge. It a brand you work hard to establish.

[Zebra99]

Stop inline 6's? Hah, that'll happen sooner then you think. The v4's are coming soon enough.

If they lightened the cars this would be okay, but with the 3series getting bigger and bigger, it's just not viable.

As for the M4, it's a disgusting ploy to charge more. I blame the stupid badge whores who support BMW in being able to do this. It's your fault!!

[nez]

Sounds to me all the guys complaining about the m4 are the brand whores. You buying the car for it's performance or the brand ? The m3 / m4 will be a cracking car whatever they call it.

[FlashTwoSix]

Originally Posted by formula M

People..

BMW decision is based on a much larger scope (than what it being an M3, or called different), it based on BMW tradition of 6 & 8 series..? Even & odd #. M5 was different than the M6.

The first BMW 3 series M was a sedan (2-door), If that matters to anyone. Also, there still is an M3.. so what is the fuss?

Just because the coupe is an M4, means it stated as "one louder.." one higher in performance. As the coupe always outperform the sedans & are more purpose orientated. 4>3

Separate that, with the iconic M3 name.. and realize this is just separation of chassis.

The new M4 & M2 are going to be great cars.

I am glad someone pointed this out. can't believe all these "enthusiast" are complaining about BMW "loosing its legacy" when the first
M3 was always a sedan (2 door). these fake enthusiasts should be ashame of themselves.

People: sedan vs coupe are not defined by the # of doors.

[nemex12]

well, Ill buy the current M3 coupe while I can, and BMW can keep those turbo things or whatever they will call em. so BMW lost another customer by killing the M3 mystic and heritage. they will be like audis with all those badges and names, M3 wont be an icon anymore, but a faster 4 series. I think Ill move to porsche, and I know for some people its stupid to not buy a car because of a badge, but you have to understand me, Ive always been tempted to buy a porsche but the heritage of the M3 made it my dream car, even though it wont be as fast as a 911 turbo, I always loved the M3 and what it represented, its legacy was definitely what kept me faithful to bmw.(I have a 5 series e60, a z4, Im buying an M5 e39 and a new, and last, m3 coupe) from them Ill go the P route.
edit: thinking of it again, you guys that think we complainers lost our minds by being willing to pick another car from another brand just because of the new badge, Ill ask you, which car do you think is cooler? an M3 e46 or a 335i? the 335i is faster and we all know it but some of us think that theres something more behind the m3 badge, some history that even a new faster bmw wont have, heck I would rather have an e30 m3 instead of a 335i. if you kill that history and start over, some of us bmw fans wont tolerate that harakiri from bmw as the new cars will be merchandise instead of an icon with its own place in a chain of icons, with a place in a tradition.